The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-04-16

,GAIS-..SAIUhDAx,
TO cut and bring out OF the field. We
have tried every plan to keep these
pests on our crops at less expense In
| money and manual labor than we now
incur and have been unsuccessful.
Our present mode is expensive, inn
perfect and thoroughly unsatisfactory,
yet IL Is the bset we can do.
l regard these birds ss destructive
in the rice region as the caterpillar ia
in the cotton belt, with this differ.
ence, that these rice birds never fail
to come. OF course, great numbers OF
birds are killed and used as an article OF
food. From eating rice they become
very Fat, their b3nes are softened and
offer no resistance. II the govern
ment could devise some means to aid
US in keeping of these birds 1t would
render US great service. However,
there will be no need Of this assist-
ance II the duty on foreign rice is de
creased. As il now stands we can do
no more than hold our own against
the cheaply grown rice OF foreign
countries. Once remove protection
and rice planting in this country will
be abandoned, as our loss by birds
and expense Of keeping them of in
order to make anything renders the
cultivation dangerous speculation.
During the bird season We employ
about 100 bird minders, who shoot
from three to five kegs OF powder
daily, each keg weighing twenty-five
pounds. Add to this shot and caps
and you will be able to form some
idea OF what these birds cost one
planter.
You ask about the "redwing black
bird" They are here at all times in
great numbers, except when the rice
bird puts in an appearance. 1t does
not take many days for the rice bird
to drive to parts unknown these i'm
mense fiocks Of redwing blackbirds, and
although they breed here they sppar-
emily quit the country and do not re.
turn here until October. These black
birds are very destructive OF rice, both
when 1T is coming up and while it is
ripeniDg, but we can in measure man
age to drive them off with powder and
shot. These birds are great cleaners
and do good In destroying such rice as
falls from bundles while being trans
ported from the fields. They also de-
stroy caterpillars. After harvest these
birds are protected as cleaners, and
their numbers can be understood only
by those who have seen the focks.
Daring the breeding season these
birds feed only on insects or worms
that can be taken to their young and
do not trouble our crops.
CONGRATULATIONS OF IMPORTED GO IDS.
1t Is the general impression among
the few Legislators still in the city that
the outcome of the Investigations Of
the Senate Undervaluations Commit
tee will be q radical and material
change in the laws relating to the ai-
ministration OF the customs service.
The system OF undervaluation of i'm
ports has grown to such an alarming
extent that 1t is said by importers OF
many Lines OF foreign goods that an
honest man cannot compete with
those OF his fellows who, through col.
fusion with dishonest Consuls and
customs officials, are enabled to make
enormous profits. The 30 called Hew-
lit bill of last session was designed for
the purpose, la part, of correcting
these abuses, but 1t was not reached
for consideration, and in consequence
the evils continue to exist and thrive.
The Senate Is prevented by the con-
stitution from originating a measure
affecting the revenues, but there is
nothing to prevent that body from
formulating bill designed to simplify
the administration OF existing law. II
the committee, which is now in SEES
sion here, considers that the beet in.
terests OF the country can be subserved
by such changes as those proposed by
the Hewitt bill measure having that
object in view will doubtless be among
the first Introduced in the Senate next
winter. II is equally true that if in
troducsd the bill will pass the Seante
at east.
OUR NEW SHIPS.
la epite of the fact that Congress
has now provided for something like
twenty.three new ships, the officers of
the navy do not show any disposition
to grow hilarious over the prospect of
the speedy rehabilitation OF the Amer.
can navy. In fact, there is on the
part OF large number of employed
officers, a decided disposition to take
an exceedingly gloomy view OF the
situation. Said one OF these gentle
men today: -Four years ago Congress
authorized the construction of four
new vessels. Up to the present time
only one OF the four is ready for sea.
On the other hand, there have been
six of the cd vessels condemned
within the past year. AT the present
rate OF procedure it will be at least
ten years before those vessels already
provided for are ready to receive their
stores. In the meantime the vessels
that we have are rotting out fast, and
we poor devils are compelled to re-
main ashore on short pay and with
prospects of promotion about ae bright
as our chances for prize money"
CHRISTENING OF SECRETARY wHITNKY's
DAUGHTER.
The christening vi the little daugh-
ter OF the Secretary of the Navy on
Easter Monday was one OF the most
brilliant events OF this or any other
country. 1t is doubtful il there ever
was a baby born to a democratic fam
lily in any country in the world whose
godfather and godmc ther uttered
their vows amid such regal splendo.s
before. The fscile pen OF one OF those
adjectiverous Society" writer's could
alone do justice to the splendors OF
the arrangements. No one bat
woman Of extended experience among
fouuces and furbelows is capable OF
furnishing any idea whatever OF tia
gorgeous manner in which the soul Of
the little one was Consecrated to its
Maker. Those who were go fortunate
as to be honored with cards OF admis.
sion to the ceremonies have marked
down red letter day in their histories
and the event is not likely to be for
gotten in this generation.
Chronic Coughs aud Colds,
And all diseases OF the throat and
n l. Al